This document was created by Alex Yartsev (
[email protected]); if I have used your data or images and forgot to reference you, please email me. Radiocarpal joint Type of joint Condyloid (ellipsoid) type of synovial joint Articulating surfaces Three of the carpal bones (scaphoid, triquetrum and Radial collateral ligament lunate) articulate with the radius Ulnarl collateral The pisiform and the ulna don’t participate ligament Articular capsule Stretches from the distal ends of the radius and ulna, to the proximal row of carpal bones (but not the pisiform) Ligaments Articular disc The PALMAR radiocarpal ligaments stretch from the radius to both of the two rows of carpal bones; The DORSAL radiocarpal ligament does the same these ligaments make sure the hand follows the radius in its rotation the ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT passes from the ulnar styloid to the triquetrum the RADIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT passes from the radial styloid to the triquetrum Stability factors The radius articulates tightly with the carpus; the styloid processes of the radius and ulna limit abduction and adduction The ligaments and tendons supply most of the stability Movements Dorsal radiocarpall ligament Palmar radiocarpal ligament The movements of this joint are augmented by the slight movements permitted by the intercarpal and midcarpal joints. These are flexion + extension (greater range of flexion than extension) flexion is produced by FCR and FCU, Palmaris longus APL, Flexors of the fingers and thumb extension is produced by ECRL, ECRB, and ECU Extensors of fingers and thumb adduction + abduction (ulnar and radial deviation) – greater range of adduction(ulnar) than of abduction, because of the larger radial styloid.